What Causes Severe Headaches With Neck Pain And Vertigo?

Posted on Thu, 3 Jul 2014

Question: I have severe headaches on the left side of my face in the left maxillary sinus area that usually subside with migraine medicine. This is also accompanied with neck pain on left side. I do not do well in cold weather and also with barometric pressure changes. I also cannot turn my head to one side for 1/2 hour without getting a migraine headaches. Also sitting in a chair with my back aganst the back will bring on a migraine. I can point to a spot on the back of my neck that I believe causes headaches. Now I have vertigo when I bend over. The room spins and it seems like the left eye has unusual back and forth movements. After one severe migraine my left eye was very noticiceably smaller than the right eye. My left eye has never returned to its original size. I have had 4 whip lashes. One eye doctor thought I had Horners Syndrome. But other Doctors said nothing about that diagnosis. I am having severe headaches on the left side of my face in the above mentioned area. I also have a polyp in that sinus cavity but every doctor tells me that cannot hurt. I have had many tests but no doctor has ever helped me. My blood pressure has gone over 140 for first time.

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It's Horner Syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Dear
I am sorry for the symptoms you are suffering.
It's seems your doctor has done a good examination, it's Horner Syndrome.
Not just for difference between eyes but even for the other symptoms you are suffering.
You need absolutely to contact your neurologist, and in the meantime schedule a brain MRI and MRA.
I think it is wise to present to an emergency room during one episode of headache because clinical examination at that time and brain CT or EEG can lead to the right diagnosis. Routine appointments with schedule may not be ideal for diagnosis.
Anyway I don't think you are suffering from an urgent neurology disease however timely examination and on spot findings and investigations makes easier to diagnose.
Hope my answer helps you
Don't hesitate to contact me for further questions.
Best regards
Dr Eris Ranxha
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Eris Ranxha (7 hours later)

I now have severe vertigo when bending over. What treatment would you suggest?What are the treatments for Horners syndrome?

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Betahistine

Detailed Answer:
Dear
in my opinion you should wait for the brain MR before start treatment.
Horner syndrome is a term to name the symptoms it isn't a desease.
Anyway if symptoms persist you can try betahistine.
Hope my answer will help you to fast and safe diagnose
Don't hesitate to contact me for further questions
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj